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Elections — Life in the UK Test practice questions

These practice questions cover Elections, part of the The UK government, the law and your role chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.

Practice questions

1 · Elections

Which voting system is used to elect MPs?

  1. Coalition voting
  2. Proportional representation
  3. Secret ballot
  4. ✓ First past the post — Correct answer
Explanation

In each constituency, the candidate with the most votes is elected. That system is called first past the post.

2 · Elections

How often must General Elections be held?

  1. Every ten years
  2. Once a year
  3. ✓ At least every five years — Correct answer
  4. Every year
Explanation

General Elections are held at least every five years, so five years is the longest time that can pass between them. MPs are elected in those elections.

3 · Elections

What system is used to elect MPs in UK constituencies?

  1. ✓ First past the post — Correct answer
  2. A secret ballot of party leaders
  3. A lottery
  4. Proportional representation
Explanation

MPs are elected by first past the post. In each constituency, the candidate with the most votes is elected.

4 · Elections

What system is used to elect MPs?

  1. ✓ First past the post — Correct answer
  2. A secret ballot of peers
  3. Proportional representation
  4. Appointment by the monarch
Explanation

MPs are elected through first past the post. In each constituency, the candidate with the most votes is elected.

5 · Elections

What system is used for elections to the European Parliament?

  1. A secret ballot in the House of Commons
  2. A lifetime appointment by the monarch
  3. First past the post
  4. ✓ Proportional representation — Correct answer
Explanation

European Parliament elections use proportional representation. Seats are divided between parties in line with the total number of votes each party wins.

6 · Elections

What are the basic voting units used to elect MPs?

  1. Boroughs
  2. Counties
  3. ✓ Parliamentary constituencies — Correct answer
  4. District wards
Explanation

The UK is divided into parliamentary constituencies, and voters in each constituency elect their MP. These are the basic voting areas used for parliamentary elections.

7 · Elections

What is a byelection?

  1. A local meeting where constituents speak to MPs
  2. A vote by hereditary peers to choose their leaders
  3. ✓ A fresh election held when an MP dies or resigns — Correct answer
  4. An election for the European Parliament every five years
Explanation

If an MP dies or resigns, a fresh election is held in that constituency. That is called a byelection.

8 · Elections

What is a byelection?

  1. ✓ A fresh election held in a constituency when an MP dies or resigns — Correct answer
  2. An election for the European Parliament every five years
  3. A local meeting between an MP and constituents
  4. A vote to choose the Speaker
Explanation

If an MP dies or resigns, a fresh election called a byelection is held in that constituency.

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